Mad Candle Co.: How “Money Bags Maddie” Turned a Spark Into a Glow
From childhood hustle to candle-making magic
Some kids set up lemonade stands. Others mow lawns. Maddie Martin did all that and more. Her family even nicknamed her “Money Bags Maddie” because she always had a new idea to make a little pocket change. That entrepreneurial streak never went away, and it eventually led to her own business: Mad Candle Co.
It all started in 2018, when Maddie was working in a high-stress restaurant job and looking for a creative escape. Candle-making became her outlet, but she quickly noticed that most “clean” candles on the market didn’t meet her standards. So, she decided to make her own.
Fast-forward to 2024: Maddie launched her website, sold more than 4,500 candles in just six months, and built a brand that stands out with elevated scents and polished, professional labels from Avery.
Candles with a conscience
Mad Candle Co. isn’t about cranking out any old candle. Maddie is all about creating something beautiful, safe, and memorable. Each candle is made with:
- 100% soy wax
- Natural wood wicks
- Phthalate-free fragrance oils
- Small-batch, hand-poured care
“I want people to feel good about what they’re bringing into their homes,” Maddie says. “Using non-toxic, vegan ingredients means my candles are safer for people, pets, and the planet.”
And because she’s a perfectionist, every candle is tested for even burns, strong but balanced scent throw, and a design that looks as good as it smells.
Scents that spark memories
Maddie’s process usually begins with a name — something evocative, like Strawberry Fields or Oregon Forest. From there, she blends fragrances until the vibe is just right. Each new candle goes through multiple rounds of testing and feedback from friends and family before making it into a collection.
She also loves sharing the journey with her customers on Instagram, where she posts behind-the-scenes looks at pouring, packaging, and prepping for markets. Recently, Maddie’s also started doing in-person pop-ups. “Nothing beats talking with someone face-to-face about their favorite scents,” she says.
From Bend to beyond
Mad Candle Co. has a home base in Eugene, Oregon, but sells her candles everywhere, including at The Workhouse Bend, a collaborative space filled with local artists and makers. But Maddie’s candles have traveled far beyond. They’re now sold in over 50 shops across the U.S., including Made in Oregon, Passionflower, and Down to Earth.
Labels that shine
Like most makers, Maddie’s journey with product labels took some trial and error.
“I originally ordered labels from another company and wasn’t happy with the quality,” she says. After discovering Avery through CandleScience, she started with blank labels but quickly realized she wanted to focus on candles, not troubleshooting her printer.
“Best choice I ever made? Absolutely.”
–Maddie Martin, on switching to Avery custom printing for her candle company.
Switching to Avery custom printing was, in her words, “one of the best decisions I’ve made.” Maddie now uses white textured labels (2.5″ square and 2.75″ circle) for her jars, plus square business cards with rounded corners and postcards as discovery box inserts and shelf talkers. She even created a custom roll label wall so she can grab labels fast and keep her studio organized.
Her top labeling tip for fellow candle makers?
“Hold the label on both sides, touch the center of the label to the jar first, then press down from top to bottom and smooth out from the middle — no bubbles, just perfect placement.”
What’s next for Mad Candle Co.?
Seasonal releases are a big part of Maddie’s brand, and her fall collection is about to launch, complete with pumpkin jars and new car diffusers. She’s also considering a Candle of the Month Club, where members would get an exclusive scent you can’t find anywhere else.
One thing’s for sure: whether you’re shopping at a local boutique, following along on Instagram, or lighting one up at home, Mad Candle Co. candles are designed to turn everyday moments into something special.
Want a little candle magic in your life? Shop Mad Candle Co. | Follow Maddie on Instagram
